The broadband Internet access (BBA) is needed to build a modern economy. At the same time, there is one problem, which has been hindering the development of fixed BBA in Ukraine for many years. BRDO IT & Telecom experts have developed 7 of 10 regulatory acts necessary for the free access of operators and providers to infrastructural facilities.
The construction of a telecommunication network requires using the existing infrastructure: electricity supply pylons, cable drainage, tunnels, buildings and so on. However, until recently, there was no clear regulation of the conditions, under which infrastructure facilities should provide telecommunications operators with the access to them. Operators and providers have often faced with denials of access to infrastructure or too high prices. This aspect negatively affected the development of the BBA, since a particular infrastructure facility is often non-alternative to build a network. Operators and telecommunication providers could not develop their own telecommunication networks, provide access to the Internet in rural areas and in “deprived” areas.
To resolve this problem, the Law No.1834-VIII, which came into force on June 4, 2017, was adopted. It defines the conditions for providing access to infrastructure facilities. But the implementation of provisions of this Law requires the approval of the Rules of access and Methods of charging fees for access to each type of infrastructure.
BRDO experts together with representatives of leading telecommunication associations such as the Ukrainian Association of communication providers “Telas”, the Internet Association of Ukraine and the Association “Telecommunication Chamber of Ukraine” have been working in the working groups of ministries related to the issue of access to infrastructure since May, and they have already developed almost all necessary draft regulatory acts. Currently, some of these documents are already being prepared for publishing on websites of relevant central executive bodies with the aim of their further public discussion. We hope that the developed Rules and Methods will be approved and will come into force in the near future.
This will make it impossible that, for example, an operator of telecommunications should pay 2.5 hryvnas to place equipment on electricity supply pylons in the Kherson region, and in the neighboring Odessa – 5.1 hryvnas. In addition, it will increase the competition and improve the quality of services.
The adoption of these Rules and Methods will put an end to the problem that hindered the development of broadband access to the Internet and will promote the development of the telecommunications market and related sectors of the Ukrainian economy.